Driving in France this summer

Very soon, the children will finish another school year and
then it’s that long summer break before they go back. For some families,
this means having a ‘staycation’ in the UK, and for others, a driving trip
across to our friends in continental Europe might be on the agenda. France is
the easiest and closest place to motor abroad, so it’s no surprise that a huge
proportion of Brits head there. To stay on the right side of French law, there
are some things you’ll need to arrange before you depart. Motoring
journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay, reports.

Motor Happy

It has stunning countryside, awesome food and wine – and
families adore it. Whether you’re driving by
old stone villages or fields of lavender in Provence, canoeing or camping in
the Ardeche, or cruising to the Cote D’Azur’s sun-drenched beaches, you need to
adhere to French driving laws.

French Driving Laws

From a ban on hands-free devices, headlight beam deflectors
for right-hand drive cars, a lower alcohol limit for driving, to
different speed limits, and the items you need to carry in your vehicle, don’t
just cross your fingers, do nothing, and hope all will be well.

To Stay Legal In France, Carry These In Your Car:

Two NF
certified disposable breathalysers.

Reflective
jackets for all passengers.

Headlamp
beam deflectors.

Warning
triangles.

A GB
label to attach to your vehicle if your registration plate doesn’t already
show it.

Drive
on the right and keep an eye on your speed. Speed camera sensors are
prohibited in France. Legally, if your sat nav comes installed with them
or with camera locations, you are expected to deactivate the alerts or
face a €1,500 fine.

Motoring
in Paris means you need to purchase a clean air sticker for your vehicle
that shows how much your car pollutes. You can buy these online for
approximately 4 euros/£3.50. If you forget to do so and the police stop
you, you’ll get a fine anywhere between 68 and 135 euros.

Take
your full and valid UK driver’s licence that will enable you to motor
in all EU countries, including France. Also bring proof of ownership (V5C
is recognised), your ID (Passport/national ID) and proof of car insurance.

Alcohol Driving Limits and Local Laws

Don’t drink and drive at all. And
be conscious of ‘next day’ drink driving. It’s much easier to be over the
alcohol limit the morning after without realising than you might think.